Fish-Rite Baja XL 18 ft. 2008 vs Fish-Rite Baja XL Series 2009 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Fish-Rite Baja XL 18 ft. 2008 or the Fish-Rite Baja XL Series 2009?

The Fish-Rite Baja XL Series 2009 is the longer of the two at 18,0 feet overall. The Fish-Rite Baja XL 18 ft. 2008 comes in at 18,0 feet, making it roughly 0,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The Fish-Rite Baja XL 18 ft. 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Fish-Rite Baja XL Series 2009 is certified for 5. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

Q: Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Fish-Rite Baja XL 18 ft. 2008 and Fish-Rite Baja XL Series 2009 share an 91 in beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

Q: Are the Fish-Rite Baja XL 18 ft. 2008 and Fish-Rite Baja XL Series 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Fish-Rite Baja XL 18 ft. 2008 and the Fish-Rite Baja XL Series 2009 are built by Fish-Rite. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.

Boat Comparison

Fish-Rite Baja XL 18 ft. 2008 vs Fish-Rite Baja XL Series 2009

Fish-Rite

Fish-Rite Baja XL 18 ft. 2008

2008

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Fish-Rite

Fish-Rite Baja XL Series 2009

2009

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Fish-Rite Baja XL 18 ft. 2008 vs Fish-Rite Baja XL Series 2009 — A Close Look at Two Modified Vees

When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Fish-Rite Baja XL 18 ft. 2008 and the Fish-Rite Baja XL Series 2009 are modified vee designs with aluminum construction — the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?

Both boats are rated for 5 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.

Bottom line: The Fish-Rite Baja XL 18 ft. 2008 and Fish-Rite Baja XL Series 2009 are closely matched on the specs that matter most. Test-ride both on the water you actually use, check current dealer pricing, and factor in long-term service access before you sign.

General Boat Info

MakeFish-Rite

ModelBaja XL 18 ft

ModelBaja XL Series

Model Year2008

Model Year2009

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam91 in

Beam - Meters2.31

Beam - Inches91

Weight - Detail900 lbs

Weight - Detailnot available

Weight - kg408.23

Weight - kgnot available

Weight - lbs.9

Weight - lbs.not available

Height - Detail30 in

Height - Meters0.76

Height - Inches3

Length - Feet18

Length overall - Detail18 ft. 0 in

Length overall - Detail18 ft

Length overall - Meters5.49

Length overall - Inches216

Width [transom] - Detailnot available

Width [transom] - Detail72 in

Body / Hull

Hull materialAluminum

Hull typeModified Vee

Hull thicknessnot available

Hull thicknessSide: 0.125 in. Bottom: 0.16 in

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail39 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Liters147.63

Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Gal39

Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeOutboard

Operational Info

Maximum capacity1,300 lbs

Maximum capacitynot available

Fish-Rite Baja XL 18 ft. 2008 vs Fish-Rite Baja XL Series 2009 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Fish-Rite Baja XL 18 ft. 2008 or the Fish-Rite Baja XL Series 2009?

The Fish-Rite Baja XL Series 2009 is the longer of the two at 18,0 feet overall. The Fish-Rite Baja XL 18 ft. 2008 comes in at 18,0 feet, making it roughly 0,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

How many people can each boat hold?

The Fish-Rite Baja XL 18 ft. 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Fish-Rite Baja XL Series 2009 is certified for 5. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Fish-Rite Baja XL 18 ft. 2008 and Fish-Rite Baja XL Series 2009 share an 91 in beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

Are the Fish-Rite Baja XL 18 ft. 2008 and Fish-Rite Baja XL Series 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Fish-Rite Baja XL 18 ft. 2008 and the Fish-Rite Baja XL Series 2009 are built by Fish-Rite. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.

← Fish-Rite Baja XL 18 ft. 2008 full specs ← Fish-Rite Baja XL Series 2009 full specs